Directive 96/53/EC regulates weights and dimensions of heavy commercial vehicles within the territory the directive may have reached its limitations, and risks to become a barrier to the natural growth of the freight transport market. This study was commissioned by the Directorate General for Energy and Transport, to investigate the possible effects of changing the directive to allow for longer and/or heavier vehicles in international transport. A number or alternatives were suggested, among which the modular concept. The current regulation permits trucks of maximum 16.5 m (1 point of articulation) or 18.75 m (1 or 2 points) in length, 40 tonnes in weight and 4 m in height to circulate across European borders. For intermodal traffic, 44 t is the current maximum. The directive also sets limits for axle loads and overhangs. Countries are allowed to set the maxima at higher levels, but only on their own territory. The modular concept, with limits of 25.25 m and 60 t, has been in use for years in Sweden and Finland. Many countries have set their maximum load at 44 t instead of 40 t. The directive also covers passenger transport by coach. This study does not cover that domain, but instead focuses solely on freight transport. The aim of the project was to provide advice to the Commission on the optimal weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles. The advice focuses on the effects, both positive and negative, of the use of bigger and/or heavier vehicles, including the modular concept at various maximal dimensions and weight levels in and between adjacent and consenting Member States. In this study, 4 LHV scenarios for 2020 have been studied.es to the road transport equipment constraints that were valid in 2000. The scenario takes into account projected economic developments and projected transport demand in Europe until 2020. All other scenarios take this one as the reference base case. Scenario 2: LHV Full option: Europe-wide permission of 25.25 m and 60 t trucks. These LHVs trucks are allowed on all European motorways (i.e. backbone roads). The usage of LHVs on regional roads may be restricted. Scenario 3: Corridor/Coalition: LHVs of 25.25 m and 60 t are allowed in some countries, while Europe-wide only 18.75 m and 40 t trucks are allowed. This scenario is a mix of scenarios 1 and 2. There is a group of countries that permit LHVs on their motorways, possibly putting some restrictions for the usage of regional roads, while the rest stick to the current restrictions (40t 18.75m). We include into the coalition 6 European countries: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. Scenario 4: Intermediate: Europe-wide permission of up to 20.75 m 44 t trucks. This scenario represents a gradual increase in vehicle constraints, namely 10% of carrying capacity. The choice of dimensions and constraints is realistic and reflects wishes of car transporters and chemical industry. This report may be accessed by Internet users at: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/strategies/studies/doc/2009_01_weights_an…
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